Plate-sheet-steel turbine frame



Nov. 20, 1928.

G. A. JESSOP PLATE SHEET STEEL TURBINE FRAME Filed Oct. 29, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet Nov. 20, 1928. 1,692,212

a. A. JESSOP PLATE SHEET STEEL TURBINE FRAME Filed Oct. 29, 1925 s Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 20, 192a 1,692,212

G. A. JESSOP PLATE SHEET STEEL TURBINE FRAME F113;: Oct. 29, 1925 3 Sheets-Sh et 3 anoento p Patented Nov. 20, 1928.

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PZZIA'IE-SHEET-STEEL TURBINE FRAME.

Application filed october 29, 152$. serial No. 65,710.

. This invention relates to turbine structures and particularly to a novel form of frame or casing structure.

The principal object of the present inven tion is todispcnse vii/11 cast or heavy metal structures or parts as far as possible and replace the said usual cast or heavy metal structures by plate sheet steel structural elements assembled in such manner as to serve the purpose of a turbine frame or casing with the same eflicicncy, strength and durability as the more expensive, heavier metal structures and at the same time reduce the cost of manufacture and installation and also lighten the weight of the frame or casing parts to such an extent as to materially reduce the cost of transportation.

11 further object of the invention is to economically and effectively secure the several plate sheet steel substitute parts in the frame or casing of a turbine wheel or runner and utilize to the best advantage the plate sheet steel as it comes from the rolling mills.

With the foregoing and other objects and advantages in view, the invention consists in theconstruction and arrangement of the several parts which will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings:

1 isa side elevation of a portion of a turbine en'ibodying the features of the inven' tion and showin u 3 )er and lower ortions thereof in section. I

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the turbine structure shown by Fi 1 with a portion of the top removed and the stems or pivot rods for the gates shown in horizontal section.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectionthrough aportion of the structure shown by Fig. 1, illustrating a modification consisting in dividing or splitting the plate steel frame.

Fig. 4 is a top plan View of a portionof the casing shown by Fig. 1, illustrating the sectional or split joint, a part of the joint being shown in section.

Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. 3, showing a further modification of the sectional or split plate steel frame. I c

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the modifica tion shown by Fig. 5, partially in section. The general arrangement of the turbine is similar to that usually adopted and comprises a shaft 5 having a runner 6 secured to the lower end thereof the shaft being mounted in a suitable bearing support7, usually of cast or heavy metal and embodying features of adjustment well known in the art of hydraulics and arranged to receive the usual ater lubricated lignum vitae strips, or any other approved device that directly engages the said shaft. .Around the wheel or runner 6 the usual complement of gates 8 is disposed, each gate having a stem or pivot rod 9, and all of the gates as shown being shiftable as a unit to open and close the same through the medium of an upper gate ring 10 connected to the upper projecting ends of the stems or rods 9 by the usual mechanism, the said gate ring being operable through the medium of connecting rods 11 running to suitable operating means commonly employedv in mechanisms of this sort. It will be understoodthat below the runner or wheel 6'the usual form of draft tube will be applied and may be of any form'desired.

The special features of the improvement are a top covering 12, a central annular chamber 13 composed of inner and outer .rings 14 and 15and a top closing annulus 16,all constructcd of plate sheet steel. The top covering 12 has radial ribs 17 extending from the outer por tion thereof inwardly to the outer ring 15 of the top annular chamber 13 and also inter secting arcuate ribs 17?. The top annular chamber 13 surrounds and is secured tothe bearing support 7 .for the shaft 5, the said bearingsupport being illustrated in dotted lines for the reason that it is a Well known structure in this art and with which the said annular chamber is associated. The top covering 12 also hasan annular indentation or seat depression 18 formed therein at regular intervals for the reception of bearing blocks 19, which are cut from round stock and bored to permit the gate stems or rods to extend therethrough for connection at their upper ends to the mechanism as at 20 interposed between the stems or rods and the gate ring 10. The top covering 12 is annular in configuration and has acentral enlarged cir cular opening 21 over the inner portion of the turbine structure; The ribs 17 are further secured to the outer ring or annular wall 15 of the chamber 13 by an angle or L- shaped ring 22, which forms the-base support of the ring 10, there being at intervals on the top annulus clips 23 to serve as a top retaining means for the said gate ring.

The bottom, substitute plate sheet steel structure comprises an outer support, generally designated by the numeral 24, and having an inner upwardly and outwardly inclined wall 25 with a lower foot flange 26 and a top, outwardly projecting flange mem ber 27, the said lower support 24 being thus given an upwardly divergent configuration and has between the foot flange 26 and flange member 27 a plurality of radial ribs or braces 28. The outer edge of the top covering 12 and the similar edge of the upper flange member 27 of the lower support 24 are flared in reverse directions, as at 29 and 30, to pro vide the usual structure present in turbines where heavy cast metal parts are used. From the inner side of the wall 25 of the lower support 24 and in the same plane as the flange member 27 is an annular plate 31, which is formed with an annular indentation or seat 32, for the reception of socket members 33 formed from round stock and suitably bored to receive the lower ends of the gate stems or pivot rods 9. The lower ends of the sockets 33 bear on an angle sup port 34, secured to the inner side of the wall 25 of the support 24, and the said sockets are thus stabilized in their supporting function. The reverse annular indentations or seats 18 and 32 provide opposed, inwardly projecting raises a distance apart just sulficient to cover the radial extent of the gates when the latter are fully closed, to reduce water leakage to a minimum. However, the

gates are permitted to have ample clearance between the said reversely positioned raises, so that they may work freely in opening and closing. It may be necessary to machine the opposite raises provided by the reverse indentations 18 and 32 to provide for the exact clearance, but owing to the normal smoothness of the remaining portions of the surfaces of the plate sheet steel elements or parts in which the said indentations are formed, machining thereof is unnecessary.

The outer peripheral termination of the top covering or closure 12 is preferably formed as a complete unit consisting of a base flange 35, an inner vertical wall 36 and a top, outwardly projecting angular flange 37 having brace ribs 38 at regular intervals between the flange 35 and top flange 37, and between the inner vertical wall 36 of this peripheral unit and the brace ribs 17 an angle ring 39 is interposed and secured to the said peripheral unit and the ribs. This provides a very strong yet light and durable structure and particularly for applying the outer post or binding rods 40, which are interposed between and secured to the flange 35 and the outer portion of the flange member 27 of the lower support 24.

The plate sheet steel substitute parts are all assembled through the medium of any suitable fastening means, but from a standpoint of economy and effectiveness in securement, it is preferred to electrically weld the said parts at their joints, and this welding of the parts may be effected in various positions or at inner or outer points as may be found most convenient. It will be understood that the plate sheet steel will be of a thickness proportionate to the dimensions and general proportions of the turbine structure, frame or casing, and in the formation of the several plate sheet steel elements, economy will also be exercised in cutting the same from the plate sheet steel asit comes from the rolling mills. The larger parts or members of the plate sheet steel frame will be laid out with relation to the outer portions of the sheets of plate steel and the smaller parts out from the interior removed parts of the outer lar er parts and also from the corners remaining by cutting the rings from a rectangular sheet. It will also be understood that such bending operations as may be necessary in the formation of the ribs and in shaping the remaining parts will be economically pursued so as to further add to the reduction in cost of the plate sheet steel structure embodying the features of the invention.

Figs. 3 to 6, inclusive, show a modification in the structure of the frame. Sometimes in the case of very large turbines, or even small turbines for special purposes, it is necessary to split or divide the top plates and other parts. In these figures such reference char acters as are used in the preceding figures are applied to corresponding parts. In the modification shown by Figs. 3 and 4 the frame sections are generally designated by A and B and the line of severance or oint by C. The line of joint or split is located between the ribs 17 with flanges 41 formed of standard flat bar iron and welded to the top portions of the top covering 12 close to the'joint line. This form of connecting the sections of the top covering will be used particularly where it is necessary to have the joint absolutely water tight. In this particular structure thetop covering 12 will be cut somewhat larger in outside diameter and somewhat smaller in inside diameter than required after finishing, and a thin tool will be used in severing or cutting the ring in half. The flanges 41 will be welded as above specified and also connected to angle irons or members 42 and 43 as shown, the angle irons or members 42 being disposed against the inner sides of the angle ring 39 and the angle irons or members 43 secured against the outer ring 15, as shown, and extend upwardly to an angle iron ring 44, similar to, and applied in the same manner as, the ring 22 hereinbefore described. The flanges 41 and angle irons or members 42 and 43 will then be secured by bolts 45 and the outside turned and the inside bored where necessary to the proper size; This split joint will then be water tight and rigid in every respect.

As shown by Figs. 5 and 6, the sectional joint or split will be made by welding bosses 46 of standard round bar iron of the proper size and number to opposite sides of the line C of cut, to produce the sections A and B of the top cover 12, and the bosses thus welded will be brought together and connected by bolts 47, the bosses being also located adjacent the angle ring 39 and the outer ring or annular wall 15. After the bolts 4:? are applied to the bosses and tightened, a tight split joint is formed similar to that shown by Figs.

3 and 4, which will materially operate to prevent water leakage. The circular ring or top covering 12 will be cut larger at the outer diameter and smaller at the inner diameter than required after finishing, or, in some instances where a fair amount of leakage Would do no harm, the said top covering ring can be cut originally to the correct size and a thin tool used to sever the top cover or ring to form the sections. Under the latter conditions, when the parts are assembled and the joint finished, there is a space between the halves equal to the thickness of the cutting blade. The welded bosses 46, however, will have to be planed and firmly held together.

The plate sheet steel structure hereinbefore described, being materially lighter than the ordinary heavy cast, or other metal parts usually employed, embodies a further advantage in that the cost of transportation of the parts of the turbine from the shop to the place of installation is considerably reduced.

VVhatis claimed as new is:

1. In a' frameor casing structure for turbines, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a support for the bearing for the shaft and a plurality of gates around the runner having projecting stems, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering extending over the gates and a portion of the runner, a central chamber around the bearing support and formed by plate sheet steel members secured to the bearing and top covering, and a lower plate sheet steel annular support below the gates, the gate stems projecting through the top covering and the top portion of the lower support.

2. In a frame or casing structure for turbines, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a support for the bearing for the shaft and a plurality of gates around the runner having projecting stems, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering extending over the gates and a portion of the runner and having indented bearing seats, a central plate sheet steel annular chamber secured to the bearing support and top covering, hearing devices mounted in the said seats, and a lower annular plate sheet steel support below the gates also having indentations in the top portion thereof with bearing devices held therein, the gate stems projecting through the top covering and bearing devices and also through the top portion of the lower support and bearing devices engaging the latter.

3. In a frame or casing structure for turbines, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a support for the bearing for the shaft and a plurality of gates around the runner having project-ing stems, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering ext-ending over the gates and a portion of the ILIIHIEI' and having radial and intersecting arcuate ribs and an annular seat indentation, bearing devices mounted in the said seat indentation between the intersecting ribs, and an annular lower plate sheet steel support under the gates and also having an annular indentation in the upper portion thereof engaged by bearing devices, the said support also having ribs at regular intervals therearound and the gate stems projecting through the top covering and top portion of the support and engaging the bearing devices, the said indentations forming opposed raises for engagement by the upper and lower edges of the gates when the latter are closed, to reduce leakage to a minimum and at the same time permit the gates to freely operate without undue friction.

4. In a frame or casing structure for turbines, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a support for the bearing for the shaft and a plurality of gates around the runner having projecting stems, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering extending over the gates and a portion of the runner and having strengthening means, a central plate sheet steel annular chamber secured to the said bearing support and the top covering and comprising a top closing annulus having cleat strips thereon, the outer wall of the said annularchamber having an angle ring secured thereto, a gate operating ring held between the said-cleats and the angle ring, connections between the said gate operating ring and the gate stems for opening and closing the gates, and a lower annular plate sheet steel support under the gates, the gate stems projecting through the top covering and the top portion of the support.

5. In a frame or casing structure for turbines, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a support for the bearing for the shaft and a plurality of gates around the runner having projecting stems, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering extending over the gates and a. portion of the runner and having an annular bearing seat indentation, a central plate sheet steel enclosed chamber secured to the bearing support of the shaft and the top covering, a lower annular support under the the top flange member and the said lower flange, an annular plate extending inwardly from the top portion of the lower support and also having an annular bearing seat in dentation, an angle support secured against the inner side of the upwardly andoutwardly inclined wall of the lower support, and bearing sockets held by the said angle support and engaging the said annular plate above to receive the lower portions of the gate stems, bearing devices being also mounted in the annular seat indentation of the top covering to receive the upper portions of the stems of the gates.

'6. In a frame or casing structure for turbines, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a support for the bearing for the shaft and a plurality of gatesaround the runner having projecting stems, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering extending over the gates and a portion of the runner and formed in sections having joint means for rigidly securing the sections, the top covering sections being provided with a con vinnous annular seat indentation, a central plate sheet steel enclosing chamber secured to the bearing support of the shaft and the said top covering, a lower annular support under the gates and comprising a lower flange with an upwardly and outwardly extending wall intersecting a top flange member, strengthening ribs applied to both the top covering and lower annular support, the sectional structure of the top covering continuing through the said enclosed chamber, the lower annular support also having an annular seat indentation, the said indentations being in alinement and forming raises for engagement with the upper and lower edges of the gates when the latter are closed, to reduce friction to a minimum and at the same time permit the gates to freely operate in their opening and closing movements, and bearing devices for the gate stems secured in the said indentations. 7

7. In a turbine, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a bearing suping and lower annular support having means to serve as bearings for the gate stems. 8. In a turbine, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a bearing support for the shaft and a plurality of gates around the runner, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering extending over the gates and a portion of the runner and comprising a central, upwardly projecting v chamber around the bearingsupport, the said chamber also being formed by plate sheet steel members secured to the said bearing support and top covering, and a lower plate sheet steel annular support below the gates, the said top covering and the lower annular support being provided with means to serve as bearings for the gate stems.

9. In a frame or casing structure for turbines, the combination with a runner, a shaft for the runner, a support for a bearing for the shaft and a plurality of gates around the runner having projecting stems, of an annular plate sheet steel top covering extending over the gates and a portion of the runner and having bearing means held thereby, a central plate sheet steel annular chamber secured. to said support for the bearingand top covering, an outer peripheral flange mem ber with an inner vertical wall located at the outer termination of the top covering and also provided with a top angular flange, a ribbed structure being provided between the top angular flange and the said wall, and a' lower support also formed of plates sheet steel and located over the gates.

In testimony wher'eof'I have hereunto set my hand.

GEORGE A. JESSOP. 

